Mince Meat, The Real Stuff

I have never been able to find a commercially madeNext grind up 3-pounds of raisins and stir them into the
mince meat pie filling that contains meat. Every one Imixture. Now add about 1-cup beef stock, 1-tablespoon
have tried is all fruit. My mother made mince meat piecanning salt and 2-cups brown sugar. Stir the mixture
every year for the holidays. I would help her makewell and put it to boil in a heavy pot. When it gets to a
them and some were given away to the neighbors. Itfull rolling boil, turn the heat down and simmer it for
was a fun activity with her. Now when I want mince1-hour, stirring frequently so as not to scorch it.
meat pie I do it alone. This is how we would make it.While that is cooking mix together 1-teaspoon mace, 1
We used cooked roast beef. Chop 2-cups to pea size2-teaspoon pepper, 2-teaspoons each of allspice,
pieces. To that add 1/2-pound of finely ground suet.cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Now grind an orange
Mix them well then chop about 5-pounds tart applesand a lemon, peeling and all.
and add to the meat. Granny smith apples are perfectAdd the spices to the mixture after it has simmered
for this.We would put the apple peelings and cores in afor an hour. Now I add 1-quart of grape juice, 1-cup of
pot and boil with about a quart or a little more of watermolasses and 3/4-cup vinegar and the orange and
for ten minutes then strain the water and add to thelemon. Bring the whole mixture to a boil and boil for ten
mixture, or I have used a quart of apple cider instead.minutes.